Fixing device

ABSTRACT

A fixing device has a lug strip ( 10 ). At least one end ( 12 ) of the lug strip ( 10 ) is bent to form a fixing loop ( 14 ). A fixing space is provided by two enclosing pieces ( 16 ) and receives a retainer ( 22, 24 ). The retainer ( 22, 24 ) has two opposing fixing pieces ( 26 ) for a unit with the both enclosing pieces ( 16 ) and is provided with a functional piece ( 28, 30 ). Both fixing pieces ( 26 ) are diametrically opposed to each other on the respective retainers ( 22, 24 ), and have fixing surfaces. The functional piece ( 28, 30 ) runs at least partly perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis of the fixing piece ( 26 ). Each fixing surface is provided with a convex curvature. A fixing device with few components, which can be easily finished to give a lug at the site of assembly without any additions is achieved. The convex curvature of the functional piece ( 28, 30 ) runs perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis of the fixing pieces ( 26 ) essentially along a semi-circle. The separate end surfaces of the fixing pieces ( 26 ) are provided with insertion ramps on their sides facing away from the functional piece ( 28, 30 ) which extend into the corresponding semi-circle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fixing device with a lug strip. Atleast one end of the lug strip is bent to form a mounting loop with twoenclosing elements to enclose a mounting space into which retainingmeans may be inserted. The mounting loop has at least one mountingopening positioned between the two enclosing elements. The retainingmeans has two diametrically opposite retaining elements for contact withthe two enclosing elements, and possesses an operating elementprojecting from the mounting opening in the mounting space when theretaining means is installed. At least one of the two retaining elementsof the retaining means can be introduced into the installation space inone direction of installation by the mounting opening. The retainingelements can then move into contact from below with the enclosingelements after pivoting of the at least partly introduced retainingmeans in a fastening direction extending transversely to the directionof introduction. The dimensions of the mounting space are such that thetwo retaining elements of the retaining means are inserted into themounting space with a predetermined amount of clearance. Each retainingmeans has two diametrically opposite retaining elements with retainingsurfaces. The operating element extends at least in part perpendicularlyto the common longitudinal axis of the retaining elements. Therespective retaining surface is provided with a convex curvature.

A fastening device disclosed in EP-A-0 508 050 has a flexible one-piecelug strip. The two strip free ends are sealable by a sealing element forfixing a tubular component in position. For the purpose of forming thesealing element, the two free ends of the lug strip are bent, and eachform a mounting loop each with two enclosing elements delimiting amounting space communicating with the exterior by a mounting opening.Cylindrical retaining means are introduced into the two mounting spaces.The enclosing elements of one mounting loop rigidly enclose bolt-likeretaining means, while the other mounting loop with its two enclosingelements loosely encompasses a pivot element as retaining means. Aninternal hexagonal screw has a functional length which may be adjustedand fixed in this position by a lock nut, and extends through the pivotelement. The internal hexagonal screw also ensures that the pivotelement cannot unintentionally fall sideways out of the mounting spaceof the associated mounting loop. The bolt-like retaining means, securedby the opposite mounting loop, has a recess which extends upward tocommunicate with the exterior and which is provided with a lug-likecatch element. After the internal hexagonal screw has been introducedfrom above, this screw may be fastened by its head component in thecatch for a tightening process. The sealing element as thus configuredmay be detachably locked quickly for securing tubular bodies inside thelug strip. The screw introduced into the catch is suitably fastened bytightening.

The disclosed clamp is generally preinstalled at the factory andfastened locally to the element to be secured. Predetermined lugs mayaccordingly be employed for one fastening purpose only as a function ofthe diameter of the tubular element to be secured. As regards theretaining means premounted in the mounting loop so as to be stationary,the disclosed fastening device can hardly be supplemented locally anddisassembly of the lug likewise is possible only as part of an entireprocess and involves all operating elements. Because of the large numberof operating elements and their assembly at the place of production, thedisclosed solution is also relatively cost-intensive, so that it is tooexpensive from the technical viewpoint to apply for simple fasteningpurposes.

DE-B-1 256 013 discloses a strip clamp for connecting two ends of apipeline or a hose with a socket piece. This strip clamp includes atightening strap and a tightening device mounted near the end of thetightening strap. The ends of the tightening strap projecting above thefastening points of the tightening device for strip clamps are providedwith tightening devices removable by conventional means after loosening,on one side with a slot and on the other with a hook extendingperpendicularly outward and engaged in the slot during tightening so asto effect locking.

In the disclosed solution, the two tightening straps facing each otherare appropriately bent in their enclosing elements, and thus, formmounting openings and mounting spaces. Both are for a fastening boltwith external threading for tightening and in the form of fasteningelement with a tightening nut provided with internal threading.

Both the fastening bolt and the fastening element are configured asdifferently shaped retaining means. Each is guided in the lug strip soas to be pivotable by two diametrically opposite retaining elementsmounted in the associated mounting spaces. The respective retainingelement is configured as a bolt or pin with retaining surfaces circularin cross-section, the convex curvature of which follows the course ofthe curvature of the bent lug strip in the area of the associatedmounting space. The fastening element with the lock nut, on the otherhand, is mounted in the lug strip on-site at the manufacturing firm. Thefastening bolt with the external threading for tightening as anoperating element may be introduced locally, that is, at the site ofinstallation of the clamp, into the associated mounting space by themounting opening designed for this purpose. Although the slot-likemounting opening in the lug strip is relatively wide, interlocking ofthe associated retaining means often occurs during the process ofintroduction. This interlocking correspondingly complicates the processof introduction and mounting. Should the disclosed clamp design bemodified for other application purposes within the range of itsoperating elements, such modification can be accomplished only withdifficulty because of the selected connections between lug strip andoperating element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objects of the present invention are to provide a fastening device witha small number of components, one which may be added directly to a clampas a supplement, and which can perform a wide range of fastening tasksand is easy to assemble and safe to operate.

These objects are basically attained by a fastening device where theconvex curvature facing the operating element extends more or less alonga semicircular arc transversely to the common longitudinal axis of theretaining elements. Each of the end surfaces of the retaining elementsspaced some distance from each other is provided with an insertion bevelwhich undergoes a transition to the associated semicircular arc. In thismanner, it is possible first to prepare the lug strip and make itavailable for assembly, and then, locally, by introduction of therespective retaining means into the associated mounting loop, to preparethe fastening means required for fastening the clamp directly on otherstructural components. By appropriate bending of the lug strip, thelatter may be adapted simply on-site to the geometric externaldimensions of the element to be fastened, which element is notnecessarily tubular.

Introduction of the retaining means into the respective mounting loopfacilitated by the semicircular shapes of the retaining elements andtheir insertion bevels. That the fastening process not only isimmediately clear to an assembler, but also the respective assembly andif necessary disassembly process is so easy that the necessary steps maybe taken in rapid sequence for a plurality of lug connections withoutthe possibility of occurrence of disruptive interlocking or the like. Inthe aggregate, this design results in distinctly improved handling ofthe fastening device. Any faulty assembly is also eliminated in thisway. In addition, the lug strip may be loosened immediately afterremoval of the retaining means, while the retaining means may alsoremain at the fastening site. However, it is also possible, of course,to introduce the fastening device as a whole, as assembled, immediatelyat the factory. The fastening device of the present invention has provedto be suitable in particular for use in the motor vehicle industry, forexample, when it is necessary securely to fasten air filters subject tovibration or the like within a vehicle.

In one preferred embodiment of the fastening device of the presentinvention, the mounting opening of the respective mounting loop extendsalong the longitudinal axis of the lug strip. The mounting opening hasat least two component areas with different opening cross-sections. Thecomponent area with the larger opening cross-section is used forintroduction of the restraining means. The other component area with thesmaller opening cross-section is for passage of the operating elementwhen the retaining means has been fully introduced into the mountingloop. As a result, simplicity of introduction of the respectiveretaining means into the associated mounting loop is ensured, while withthe retaining means introduced, if the operating element passes throughthe component area with the smaller cross-section, cannotunintentionally fall from the mounting loop, something which definitelyfacilitates assembly and handling of the fastening device of the presentinvention.

In another preferred embodiment of the fastening device of the presentinvention, in addition to the two component areas, a third componentarea is present and is in the form of a slot with a further reducedopening cross-section that adjoins the second component area and forms astop for the operating element. Forces acting on the mounting loop, suchas ones in the form of vibration forces, can be reliably diverted to thelug strip. Although the clamp structure is naturally weakened by theslot, a higher level of stability is thereby reached. Since the slotadditionally forms a stop for the operating element, subsequentautomatic assumption by the lug strip, after its installation, of theproper associated operating position relative to the operating elementof the respective retaining means is ensured.

Preferably, additional provision is made such that the respectiveretaining means has two diametrically opposite retaining means withretaining surfaces. The operating element extends perpendicularly to thecommon longitudinal axis of the retaining elements.

Preferably, provision is also made such that the enclosing elements ofthe respective mounting loop are provided with a convex curvature toform contact surfaces which correspond to the convex curvature of theretaining surfaces when the retaining means have been fixed in position.Adaptation of the convex curvature of contact surfaces to retainingsurfaces ensures reliable contact, along with the desired diversion offorces into the lug strip, when the retaining means has been fixed inposition.

In another preferred embodiment of the fastening device of the presentinvention, the respective operating element is provided on its free endwith a screw insertion threading or has a lock bolt whose free ends endin the area of the two longitudinal edges of the lug strip after theretaining means have been introduced. As a result, the operating elementwith the lock bolt may be fastened, by simple manipulation by a type ofclip and the respective retaining means. A lock nut is provided for thescrew insertion. The lug strip may be suitably tightened for a fasteningprocess.

Preferably, the retaining means is designed to be of one piece in theform of a hammer head. The lug strip is susceptible to manual bending.The retaining means is preferably formed of steel for screws, andaccordingly, is tough enough to absorb strong forces. Since the lugstrip is highly flexible although it is made of a steel strip, it may beimmediately adapted to local fastening process conditions.

Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description, which,taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a fastening device according to a firstembodiment of the present invention, with lug strip and retaining meansintroduced;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the fastening device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are front and side elevational views and a bottom planview, respectively, of one of the retaining means of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are front and side elevational views and a bottom planview of the other of the retaining means of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As is to be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fastening device has a one-pieceflexible lug strip 10. The length and width of the lug strip 10 may bepredetermined. The two free ends 12 of the lug strip are bent, with eachend forming a mounting loop 14. Each mounting loop 14 is boundedlaterally by two enclosing elements 16 which enclose a mounting space18. Between the enclosing elements a mounting opening 20 is delimitedconnecting the mounting space 18 to the exterior.

Retaining means 22, 24 may be introduced into the two mounting spaces18. Each retaining means 22, 24 has two diametrically opposite retainingelements 26 for contacting the two enclosing elements 16, as well as anoperating element 28, 30 projecting into the respective associatedmounting space 18 from the mounting opening 20 after the retaining means22, 24 have been introduced.

Each retaining means 22, 24 may be introduced with one of its tworetaining elements 26 into the associated mounting space 18 by themounting opening 20 in one direction of insertion. Such direction ofinsertion extends parallel with the longitudinal axis 32 of the lugstrip 10. When the respective retaining means 22, 24 is inserted, thelongitudinal axis of its respective two retaining elements 26 isoriented more or less in parallel with the longitudinal axis 32 of thelug strip 10. If one retaining element 26 of the respective retainingmeans 22, 24 is introduced into the mounting space 18 through themounting opening 20, it is pivoted manually in one direction offastening to extend more or less transversely to the direction ofinsertion and accordingly perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 32 ofthe lug strip 10, by pivoting of the retaining means 22,24.

In the respective installation situation, the two retaining elements 26of the respective retaining means 22, 24 then establish contact frombelow by their lower end with the respective enclosing element 16 of amounting loop 14. The fastening situation of the two retaining means 22,24 corresponds to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. At least in thisinstallation situation, the retaining means 22, 24 may be pivoted abouttheir respective longitudinal axis 34 as it is guided while moving inthe mounting space 18, as viewed in the line of sight toward FIGS. 1 and2, clockwise for the left retaining means 24 and counterclockwise forthe opposite retaining means 22. Accordingly both retaining means 22, 24are mounted in the assigned mounting loop 14 in the direction of theirinsertion so that they may be pivoted back and consequently extractedfrom mounting loop 14 as the lug strip 10 is released.

The mounting opening 20 of the respective mounting loop 14 extends alongthe longitudinal axis 32 of the lug strip 10. The mounting opening 20has three component areas 36, 38, and 40 with different openingcross-sections, and in particular, ones decreasing in size in thissequence. As has already been pointed out, the first component area 36has the largest opening cross-section for insertion of the respectiveretaining means 22, 24. The following second component area 38 has asmaller opening cross-section allowing passage of the operating element28, 30 after the retaining means 22, 24 has been fully introduced intothe mounting loop 14.

The third component area 40 adjoining the second component area 40 is inthe form of a slot opening. A stop is thereby formed for the respectiveoperating element 28,30 at the point of transition of the openings withdifferent cross-sections between the second and third component areas 38and 40. The stop ensures a preassembly location, something which makesmounting of the fastening device on other components, such as ones inthe interior of a vehicle, much easier.

As is to be seen in FIGS. 3 to 8, the respective hammer head fasteningmeans 22, 24 has two diametrically opposite fastening elements 26 withretaining surfaces 42. The longitudinal axis 44 of the operating element28, 30 extends perpendicularly to the common longitudinal axis 34 of theretaining elements 26. As is also seen in the drawings, the respectiveretaining surface 42 is provided with a convex curvature. The endsurfaces of the retaining elements 26 are separated by some distancefrom each other, and are provided on the side facing away from theoperating element 28,30 with an insertion bevel 46. The insertion bevel46 in particular forms an angle of about 45° with the lower side 48extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 44 of the operatingelements 28, 30. In addition, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, the convexlycurved retaining surfaces 42 as seen more or less from the side, thatis, transversely to their common longitudinal axis 34, form asemicircular arc 43 facing in the direction of the respective operatingelement 28, 30. Also, the retaining surfaces 42 of the retainingelements 26 can be provided at least to some extent with chamfers 58.This arrangement also facilitates the processes of introduction andremoval for the respective retaining element 26.

The enclosing elements 16 of the respective mounting loop 14 are alsoprovided with a concave curvature to form contact surfaces 50 (see FIG.2). This concave curvature corresponds to that of the retaining surfaces42 referred to when the retaining means 22, 24 have been fixed inposition. The respective retaining means 22, 24 may accordingly followthe curvature of the contact surfaces 50 by their retaining surfaces 42,so that coincident contact with the enclosing elements 16 is achieved.In the fastened area of the respective retaining means in particular,covering bottom contact with the enclosing elements is achieved by thatcontact. As a result, high forces may be dissipated into the lug strip10 when the lug strip 10 is in the fastened state.

The operating element 28 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is provided on its freeend with a screw insertion threading 52 so that the retaining means 22may be secured to mounting parts not shown here by a lock nut assembly.When the retaining means 24 is configured as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, theoperating element 30 is provided on its free end with a fastening bolt54. The free ends of bolt 54, as shown in FIG. 1, end in the area of thetwo longitudinal edges 56 of the lug strip 10. The fastening bolt 54 maybe fastened to mounting parts by two clasp-like fingers of anotherfastening element (not shown). It is possible to pivot the lug strip 10to a limited extent, at least as far as the stop referred to, oppositethe retaining surfaces 42 of the retaining means 22. If the lug strip 10then overlaps an element (not shown), such as one in the form of atubular disk filter or the like, the lug strip 10 may be placed undertension by the retaining means 22 with its screw insertion threading 52correspondingly on a fastening element by the lock nut connection toensure firm seating.

The fastening device illustrated comprises a small number of components,specifically the lug strip 10 and the two retaining means 22, 24, sothat the assembly may be supplemented at the production factory, but bypreference locally at the installation site. The assembly is easy todisassemble, so that when the element to be fastened, such as one in theform of a disk filter or the like, is replaced, the replacement processmay be completed rapidly. The respective replacement and installationperiods may accordingly also be kept brief.

While one embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications can be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A fixing device, comprising: a lug strip having a first end bent toform a first mounting loop, said mounting loop having two firstenclosing elements enclosing a first mounting space and having only asingle mounting opening between said enclosing elements and extendingalong a longitudinal axis of said lug strip; and a first retaining meansreleasably received within said mounting space having two opposite solidretaining elements extending along a common longitudinal axis forengaging said enclosing elements and having an operating elementprojecting from said mounting opening and extending along an operatingelement longitudinal axis perpendicular to said common longitudinalaxis, said retaining means being introducible into said mounting spaceby at least one of said retaining elements passing through said mountingopening and engaging inner surfaces of said enclosing elements afterpivoting of said retaining means in a first fastening directiontransverse to an introduction direction after being at least partlyintroduced into said mounting space, said retaining elements fittinginto said mounting space with a predetermined clearance, said retainingelements having convexly curved retaining surfaces diametricallyopposite each other and facing said operating element, said retainingsurfaces being semi-circular cylinders with an axis parallel to saidcommon longitudinal axis, said retaining elements having end surfacesspaced from one another on a side thereof facing away from saidoperating element, said end surfaces having insertion bevelstransitioning into said retaining surfaces.
 2. A fixing device accordingto claim 1 wherein said mounting opening comprises first and secondcomponent areas with larger and smaller opening cross sections,respectively, said first component area opening laterally relative tosaid longitudinal axis of said lug strip allowing introduction of saidretaining means laterally into said mounting space, said secondcomponent area receiving said operating element therein when saidretaining means is fully introduced within said mounting space and saidoperating element extends along said longitudinal axis of said lugstrip.
 3. A fixing device according to claim 2 wherein said mountingopening comprises a third component area configured as a slot with asmaller opening cross section than said second component area andsmaller than a transverse diameter of said operating element to providea stop therefore, said third component area adjoining said secondcomponent area towards a remainder of said lug strip.
 4. A fixing deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said inner surfaces of said enclosingelements have concave curvatures corresponding to said convexly curvedretaining surfaces.
 5. A fixing device according to claim 1 wherein saidoperating element has a screw insertion thread on a free end thereof. 6.A fixing device according to claim 1 wherein said operating element hasa fastening bolt on a free end thereof, said fastening bolt having freeends adjacent longitudinal edges of said lug strip.
 7. A fixing deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said retaining means is formed as a singleunitary piece with a hammer-shaped head; and said lug strip is manuallybendable.
 8. A fixing device according to claim 1 wherein said insertionbevels are joined by a level lower side facing away from said operatingelement.
 9. A fixing device according to claim 1 wherein said retainingsurfaces have chamfers at least on portions of peripheries thereof. 10.A fixing device according to claim 1 wherein said lug strip comprises asecond end, opposite said first end, bent to form a second mounting loophaving two second enclosing elements enclosing a second mounting spaceand having only a single mounting opening between said second enclosingelements and extending along said longitudinal axis of said lug strip,each of said mounting openings facing in opposite directions when saidlug strip between said mounting loops is straight; and a secondretaining means, formed similar to said first retaining means, isreleasably received in said second mounting space, and includes a secondoperating element.
 11. A fixing device according to claim 10 whereinsaid operating elements extend in opposite directions along saidlongitudinal axis of said lug strip.
 12. A fixing device according toclaim 1 wherein said mounting opening extends along a longitudinal endof said mounting loop.